Page 108 of Aryn

The walk to the hot springs is short but steep, and I lean on Cato more than I’d like. My ribs ache, and the gash on my shoulder hasn’t fully closed, but the pain feels distant tonight. The path winds through snow-dusted trees until they open into a sheltered valley. A single, small dirdira tree remains, adding its golden glow to the rosy shine of the night sky. Steam rises gently from the water, catching the moonlight in shifting shimmers.

Cato stops, his breath visible in the cold air. “Holy shit,” he whispers.

“It is beautiful, isn’t it?” I agree, allowing him to take it all in.

There are several smaller springs around the valley, but the largest sits almost directly in the center. It’s ringed in smooth black stone, with mist curling above the water. We step closer, spreading the thick blanket underneath the dirdira tree, then light the lanterns to help battle the dark.

Cato helps me sit, then lowers himself beside me. For a long moment, we simply listen to the quiet bubbling of the water and the distant wind howling between the mountains.

“This is… incredible,” he says finally. “You planned this?”

“With a little help from Brihn,” I admit. I grab the wine and two cups, but Cato shakes his head and takes a long swig straight from the bottle.

He pulls it from his mouth, licking his lips as he passes it my way. “I’ve never been on a date before. Not really.”

“I’m sorry it took me this long.”

He grins and bumps my shoulder with his. “To be fair, we’ve been a little busy.”

“More than a little,” I agree. I take a long swig of wine, enjoying the sharp, spiced heat as it moves down my throat. “It feels wrong to sit still like this after everything, but I wanted to give you something special. You’ve done so much for me—”

“—says the guy who literally ran off an army to keep me safe.”

I huff a laugh. “We’ve spent so long running that I haven’t had the chance to properly show you my intentions.”

“Your intentions,” Cato snorts, eyes crinkling with a giant smile. “You going sweet on me, darlin’?”

I glare at that gorgeous grin. “I’m trying to.”

Cato takes the bottle back and leans over, pressing a finger under my chin to tilt my mouth to his. “You didn’t have to do all this,” he murmurs against my lips, tasting of sweet wine. “But I’m glad you did.” He kisses me, slow and deep, and I melt into it.

“Are you hungry?” I breathe against his mouth.

“Starving,” he agrees, scraping his teeth along my lower lip.

“There’s food,” I murmur as I scoot closer.

“Sounds delicious,” he replies, kissing me harder.

I swing a leg over his thighs and settle into his lap. He sighs into my mouth, one hand sliding into my hair as he urges me closer. The kiss deepens, tasting of wine and heat and want. His beard scrapes against my chin as his other hand settles on my waist.

It’s what he does when he’s trying to regain control, but tonight, I’m ready for him to lose it.

I reach down and guide his hands lower until he’s gripping my ass and coaxing me even tighter against him. We break apart only when breathing becomes necessary. I rest my forehead against his, soaking in the heat blazing in his eyes.

“The water is hot,” I say breathlessly.

Cato grins at me in that devilish way of his. “Does the respected Master Aryn want me to go skinny dipping with him?”

“No,” I answer, lifting an eyebrow right back at him. “Master Aryn wants to strip you naked and fuck you under the moons.”

Cato’s breath catches, his pupils flaring as I weave my fingers into his hair and hold him exactly where I want him. “Do you want that, kitten?”

“Yes,” he groans.

I hum with pleasure and reach for the wine, tipping the rim to his lips. “Open for me.”

Cato keeps his eyes locked on mine as I pour into his mouth. He swallows, and I take a long drink myself before setting the bottle aside. Dark, hungry eyes watch as I stand, clocking my every move.